Albania’s State Minister for Local Government, Arbjan Mazniku, announced plans for the country to participate in the EU Cohesion Policy starting in 2027. He urged municipalities to strengthen their EU project offices to access available EU funds and opportunities. Mazniku also emphasized boosting training for local government employees through the ‘Academy of Local Government’ and stressed the importance of involving all local actors and interest groups in the preparation process.

Why is this important: The EU Cohesion Policy aims to reduce economic, social, and territorial disparities within the EU. Albania’s involvement could accelerate its economic and social development by providing access to significant EU funds, promoting job creation, business competitiveness, and sustainable development, which are essential for Albania’s future growth and integration into the European Union.

Background: The EU Cohesion Policy is a major financial tool designed to foster regional development across Europe. It targets regions needing economic growth, sustainable development, and improved living standards. Almost a third of the EU’s budget from 2021-2027 is allocated to Cohesion Policy, supporting job creation, business competitiveness, and infrastructure improvements to enhance the quality of life for citizens.

Specific funds under Cohesion Policy include:

• European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Invests in social and economic development to reduce inequalities.
• Cohesion Fund (CF): Focuses on environment and transport in less prosperous countries, targeting sustainable and green projects.
• European Social Fund Plus (ESF+): Supports employment, skills training, and social inclusion initiatives for vulnerable groups.
• Just Transition Fund (JTF): Assists regions most affected by the transition to climate neutrality, offering support to transform their economies.

Albania has long advocated for gradual inclusion of the Western Balkans into EU cohesion frameworks, especially highlighted during its chairmanship of the Berlin Process and the Western Balkans Summit in Tirana. The EU is now rethinking enlargement through gradual integration, supported by the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, linking reforms to €6 billion in investments. These reforms are designed to provide financial support comparable to that of EU Cohesion Policy for member states, strengthening regional stability and economic progress.